Beware of contaminated food and drinks during New Year

by Carol Aloysius

The public has been cautioned about contaminated food and drinks in eateries and Public Health Inspectors stepped up inspections on the eve of the New Year.

"Unsuspecting customers who come to the city to do their last minute shopping, should avoid patronising wayside boutiques serving low qualities food and drinks. Ingesting such food is dangerous as it could lead to several health risks", Assistant Director, Food Control Administrative Unit, Health Ministry, H. Tilekeratne told the Sunday Observer. He called upon all stakeholders in the food industry to act with a sense of responsibilities, and ensure that food is prepared and served under hygienic conditions.

Ready-made food items are likely to spoil easily if they become stale or are prepared with substandard ingredients. This includes sweetmeats such as kavum, kokis, kaludodol and butter cakes which are in big demand during this time of the year.

Food vendors have been warned against using re-cycled and adulterated oil to cook these food items. "We have instructed them on how to pack such food items and display them by covering all cooked foods to keep flies away." He warned people against ingesting ready-made fruit drinks in outlets lacking basic sanitary facilities as there was a danger of contracting diarrhoea and hepatitis.

"We have instructed owners of food outlets to provide clean water and soap and ensure personal hygiene for food handlers", he said.

"Those served contaminated food items should take a sample to the nearest PHI or MOH office to be tested in our laboratory. If the results are positive the owner will be taken to court", he said.

Consumer Affairs Authority sources said that special checks were being made on the quality of all electrical equipment and textiles which were popular gift items during the season.